Little Things That Bring Beauty to My Everyday Life
From cloth napkins and kombucha in a special glass to pretty pet bowls and weekend bagel breakfasts, some of the little things that bring beauty and joy to my everyday life.
I often say that my home is its truest self in the summer. It just seems to lean naturally into those easy days filled with sunshine and ocean breezes, life transitioning seamlessly between inside and out
Perhaps one of the reasons my home feels so at ease this time of year is because it embraces this summertime lifestyle year round. Like the perfect ripe tomato or fresh-picked ear of sweet corn, it isn’t elaborate or formal. Instead, it’s all about creating and appreciating small moments of beauty and joy in the everyday.
Today I’m sharing some of these small details and rituals with you. And, like them, I’m keeping this post simple and quick — just a list that I hope might inspire you to look for beauty in the ordinary in your home too.
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It’s the Little Things
Before I share these, I want to note that none of them are particularly grand. They are simply little things that together add up to enrich my everyday life.
Cloth napkins – They add an easy elegance to a meal plus the opportunity to add some color and pattern to your table. They feel and look so much better than paper. I sew my own (the larger the better), but there are many options to purchase.
Nice cooking utensils – Handmade wooden spoons feel good in your hand. Stainless steel pieces are a classic look, and a mix of blue and white silicone spatulas go with my kitchen decor. I keep them corralled at the ready in simple earthenware crocks.
A dining table that is always set – I always have the dining room table set with a tablecloth or runner, placemats, and a centerpiece. It is nice enough for company, but also practical to have out all the time. Often the centerpiece is my signature “sloppy stack” of bowls with seasonal additions. Right now it is a footed glass bowl filled with shells and starfish.
Porcelain food bowls for Maddie and Cisco – Maddie and Cisco dine in style. Their bowls are from Caskata — Maddie’s has a floral pattern and Cisco’s has fish.
Antique dog food storage container – I store Maddie and Cisco’s food in an antique grain-painted flour bin. The ultimate marriage of form and function!
Seasonal dish liquid and hand soap – Mrs. Meyer’s is my brand of choice. Their containers are no-nonsense, but pretty enough to grace the counter. I just ordered the blueberry scent for summer.
Dish drying rack – The clean lines of the Yamazaki white-coated steel and wood drying rack set it apart from the usual plastic or rubber variety. It looks nice enough to leave out on the counter all the time.
Wooden dish brushes – I have a collection of wooden brushes with natural bristles in assorted shapes based on their purpose. They are a nice alternative to plastic and look good stored in a vintage blue and white spongeware crock.
Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Tablets – Speaking of the dishwasher, I recently switched to Blueland dishwasher detergent tablets. They contain no harsh chemicals or plastics. And, bonus, they come with a cute little reusable blue and white storage tin. Sometimes it is the smallest things that can add a little beauty to our day.
Coordinating dishes – My dishes are all shades of blue and white in a variety of patterns that I can mix and match. It is a small visual joy for me to unload them from the dishwasher and stack them neatly in the cabinets.
Wallpaper on the back of my kitchen cabinets – A pop of pattern behind my dishes makes me smile every time I open the cabinet.
A fabric skirt to replace the under-sink or counter cabinet doors – It adds softness and pattern to the kitchen and mudroom — spaces that both have a lot of hard surfaces.
Spices stored in matching glass containers – You reach a certain point in life when an alphabetized spice drawer in matching containers brings you great joy. I was well past that point when I finally organized mine.
KonMari folded laundry – I am not a devoted follower of Marie Kondo, but there is something incredibly satisfying about folding my laundry into neat little rectangles. I feel like it is also a way of showing appreciation for my clothes and linens. Learn the easy technique here.
Nice glasses – I only have wine with dinner on weekends. To elevate my evening weekday kombucha, though, I drink it from a wine tumbler. It immediately feels more special.
Similarly, I always transfer takeout food to a real plate.
Weekend breakfasts – Even though I am retired, I mark weekend breakfasts by making myself a bagel and egg sandwich. I look forward to them all week.
Specialty coffee or tea – We don’t have a coffee shop nearby, so I brew a fancy coffee or tea each morning at home– iced coffee in the summer, a latte or London Fog tea drink when it is cooler. This daily ritual feels like a little luxury to start my day
A postive morning routine – I never go downstairs in the morning without making my bed and getting ready for the day, including a full outfit, even if I am home for the day. I enjoy taking in the mix of patterns and textures of my bedding and choosing clothes that make me feel good.
Pulling the living room together at night – Similarly, before I head up for the night, I always do a quick tidy of the living room — fluffing pillows and straightening things the animals have knocked off kilter. A last look around to appreciate this place I call home, and I am off to bed.
I’ve linked a few of these favorite everyday items below in case they might add a little beauty to your days as well.
Caskata School of Fish medium pet food bowl
Caskata Newport Garden large pet food bowl
These are some of the ordinary objects and rituals that bring a little joy and beauty to my everyday life. What are yours? I would love to know.
This Week Into Next
I had a busy week, which had me wondering where those lazy summer porch days disappeared to.
It was all good, though. There was a fundraiser dinner for Trekkers, a local youth mentoring program, and an outdoor concert in our village.
This weekend is our town celebration, with a fun run, used book sale, lobster dinner, fireworks, and more.
I truly did land in such a wonderful community.
The first of the season’s wild blueberries are here, so I have been enjoying them with yogurt and my homemade granola for breakfast each morning.
For lunch, I have been making a sandwich with Little Sesame preserved lemon hummus and Trader Joe’s feta spread topped with local tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. (Thankfully the Cyclospora parasite has not made its way to Maine… yet.) It is a delicious combination!
Next week, my friend Ann from Dabbling and Decorating is coming for a short visit. I will of course share all that we get up to.
I’m also planning on going to the Castine House and Garden Tour on Friday the 24th, and I will bring you along to that as well.
That’s it for this week, friends. I hope you are making the most of these summer days.
Be well,
Questions, comments, or just want to say hello?
I’m always happy to hear from you.
Hi
We are slowly redoing two camps we bought in Rangeley Maine. We’re on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. I loved your blog and look forward to using your tips. It’s been a wonderful adventure. Some of my best finds have been from thrift, antique stores, and side of the road items.
Currently we’re painting some wooden floors that look absolutely fabulous.
I’ve had help from Virginia the owner of Rangeley Building supply. She is an amazing designer and knows about the history and style of these old cabins. She knows how to keep the charm but updates them to look more lively and semi traditional- contemporary.
Hi Mindy — Wow, this sounds amazing! I visited Rangely on a bike trip and loved it there. Those old camps definitely call for vintage and antique items. I painted my kitchen floor a few years ago and am dying to do another. Have fun!
I have messaged before to say how much I love your column, and today is no exception. Little joys throughout the home are so important and make life rich. None of these things are about the money. They are about appreciation, and calm and and gratitude. I am very grateful for all that you share with us.
Hi Anne — Thank you for reading my blog and for reaching out. I am grateful for readers like you. And yes, little joys are truly what make life. Take care!
I love that you and Ann from Dabbling and Decorating are friends.Two peas in a pod! Enjoy your time together,I love both of your blogs. ❤️❤️
Hi Terri — Ann and I met on Instagram and are definitely kindred souls! Her blog is so fun.
Molly,
I very much enjoy every one of your blogs. I hope yo are well.
M
Hi Margaret — Thank you for reading my blog and making the time to comment. I appreciate that more than you know.
Just the sight of the humble clam shell on your table brought my first 20 summers rushing back to me, with all the sights, textures and especially the aromas of the great Atlantic coast. I’ve enjoyed 50 years in Colorado, but the seashore never leaves my heart. Love your posts and seeing your home and dogs. (I have to springers too!)
Hi Sharon — This is exactly what this post was all about — how something as simple as a clam shell can have so much meaning. Thank you for sharing this with me. The seashore is definitely lodged forever in my heart. This house is definitely home, but so is the view out my windows. Thank you!
What a lovely, thought-provoking article, Molly. You are correct…it is the small, ordinary bits that make a house a home. And your home is always warm (pun intended) and lovely!
Hi Linda — I am so happy that this little post turned out to be a small joy for you. Readers like you are that for me! Thank you for reading my blog and for reaching out.
Molly, Did you make the curtains in your kitchen? If so, I would love to get the various patterns. I too live on the coast of Maine during the summer and enjoy the carefree living it provides – nothing too precious or fancy!
Hi — Are you referring to the valance over the sink? It is just a simple rectangle with gathered sides to make a swag. I love the relaxed elegance that is life on the Maine coast!
We could be friends…. I have many identical things in my home that you have in yours. Imitation=compatibility. Your home is special and I always enjoy the little tours. Enjoy the sunshine
Hi Karen — I would say we already are friends — from afar. 🥰
I wish I could be there for the Castine House and Garden Tour but next time it comes around hopefully I can be there. I look forward to seeing your snaps.
Hi Liss — I found out they only have it every few years. The last one was the one we rather unsuccessfully attended, ha.
Molly,
what size napkins do you sew?
Staring size?
What is your.method to hem them?
Do you believe washing and drying disinfected them?
This is my worry using cloth. Help me with this problem.
Hi Nan — I make napkins that are 20″ square, finished. Mine double-sided — sometimes the same fabric on both sides and sometimes coordinating patterns. So I just sew them like a pillow cover and then top stitch around the edge. It is easier than folding under a hem and makes a nice weighty napkin. Plus this way there is no back side when you are folding it. If washing and drying can disinfect the rest of my laundry, I think it can certainly do the same for a napkin. It is never something I have worried about and I don’t know of anyone that has gotten sick from one of my cloth napkins.
After reading your posts, I always feel like I used to when I would get a new issue of “Country Living” or “Victoria” magazines in the mail. Your pictures are beautiful and full of inspiration. Thanks for sharing your beautiful cozy home with your readers!
Hi Mary — You are too kind. I am so grateful that you enjoy my posts. Thank you for reading!
Dear Molly, my dear sweet husband passed 15 months ago. We always used cloth napkins for our 66 years of marriage. During the last 6 months of his care, I would never set out a tray, morning noon or dinner without his favorite blue and white napkin. Memories always give you joy.
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann — I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, cloth napkins are so much more than something to wipe your mouth on. Take good care.
Oh my goodness, I know you and Ann will have a wonderful time. We are also blogging buddies. I told her last week that she has a contagious smile and will look forever young. You’ve inspired me today to find joy in those little things. Actually, your YouTube tour is what turned me into a “collector”. The Mister says I’ve turned into a maximalist. LOL. Beautiful post. Happy summer!
Hi Cindy — Yes, I am looking forward to Ann’s visit. And I agree — she has a great smile. I am happy I turned you into the joys of collecting, even if your husband might not be, ha. Just follow my tips for keeping your finds ordered, and your home will never overwhelm. Take care!
Aww, thanks for sharing, Molly- so many new friends today! Looking forward to seeing you later this week~ Ann
Hi Ann — See you tomorrow!!
I was wondering if you bought your kitchen brushes as a set? If so, could you please tell me where you purchased them. Thank you
Hi Susan — I did not buy my brushes as a set. I have picked them up from various places. I linked some in the post, so that would be a good place to start!